21. The World’s Largest Pumpkin Weighs More Than a Sports Car
In 2016, Belgian native Mathias Willemijns set a new world record for growing the biggest pumpkin. The massive pumpkin weighed in at 2624.6 pounds—that’s 129.6 pounds more than an Alfa Romeo 4C sports car. And if you’re looking for a great ride (pumpkin-sized or not), check out our picks for the best new cars for 2018.
22. Barry Manilow Wrote the State Farm Jingle
In addition to co-writing hits like “Copacabana,” Barry Manilow has authored a number of famous jingles. This includes the iconic “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” jingle and the classic, “I am stuck on Band-Aid brand ‘cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me.” And for more great fun facts, check out the 20 slang terms from the 1970s no one uses anymore.
23. Mr. Clean’s Name Changes Around the Globe
In Germany, he’s Meister Proper, and in Spain, he’s Don Limpio.
24. Goats Have Unique Accents
Their voices may sound largely the same to humans, but goats actually have distinct accents, according to researchers at Queen Mary University.
25. The World’s Oldest Tortoise is Twice as Old as Queen Elizabeth
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, is thought to be 183 years old. That makes him more than twice as old as Queen Elizabeth, who clocks in at 91.
26. 350 Slices of Pizza Sell Every Second in America
To keep up with demand, approximately 17 percent of all American restaurants are pizzerias.
27. Ernest Hemingway’s Former Home is Overrun With Cats
The famed author’s former home in Key West, Florida, is home to 54 cats. Hemingway was particularly fond of polydactyl cats, and these largely make up the population at Ernest Hemingway House today. And if you’re a cat person like Papa, check out the 20 amazing facts you never knew about your favorite feline.
28. Otters Hold Hands
Otters like to keep close company, even in the water. Not only do otters link arms to avoid floating away from one another, the Asian small-clawed otter mates for life. And to win over your own lifetime partner, make sure you’re well-acquainted with the 20 Compliments Men Can’t Resist.
29. The Slinky Was Created by Accident
Inventor Richard James, a naval engineer, was trying to create a spring that could help stabilize equipment on boats in choppy waters. However, his spring’s ability to move seemingly on its own proved more interesting and became the prototype for the Slinky in 1943. More than 300 million Slinkys have been sold since it hit the market in 1945.
30. Ketchup Used to Be Considered a Medicine
In the 1800s, ketchup was sold as medicine and was even made into pill form to rid people of stomach ailments.
